Mahfud repeats warning on military takeover
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Mahfud MD repeated his warning on Tuesday that political chaos and anarchy would prompt the Indonesian Military (TNI) to take over the country.
The often outspoken Mahfud said there were no signs yet of a military takeover, but the armed forces (TNI) would step in to prevent anarchy and the break-up of the world's fourth-largest nation.
"There are two things that could lead to TNI taking over," Mahfud told reporters before meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid.
"If the politicians fail to lead this country and, secondly, if there is chaos or anarchy which cannot be controlled, then the TNI can take action. They don't want to see this country break apart."
Mahfud's warning came amid mounting conflict between Abdurrahman and the House of Representatives, over an investigation into two financial scandals allegedly linked to the President.
A report containing the findings of the investigation was handed over to the House's plenary session late on Monday by a House special team and the lawmakers are expected to hold on a debate and decide whether to accept or reject the report's conclusion on Thursday.
Demonstrators have picketed parliament almost daily in the past week, either supporting the probe or backing Abdurrahman's stance that it was illegal.
Speaking on the sidelines of a gathering of Muslim organizations on Monday, Mahfud said TNI was bound to its code of conduct obligating it to preserve the unity of the nation, but warned that it held weapons.
Despite the intense political situation, Mahfud appreciates the circumstances and that the House could have ideas that differ from the President's.
"A situation like this would never have occurred during the last 32 years under the New Order regime when all of the state institutions obeyed the President completely," Mahfud said.
Earlier a group of Nahdlatul Ulama Muslim clerics from East Java had warned certain groups in the House against toppling Abdurrahman, saying such action would incite unrest among the people and ulemas in the province.
Akiq Zaman, who led group, said that both ulemas and the people of East Java would not tolerate the political conspiracy to unconstitutionally topple the President that was being engaged in by some legislators.
The group said the House should remain critical of the government but the criticism should not be out of proportion.
They said the House should respect the President's five-year term of office as it was guaranteed by the constitution.
The nation will be facing a chaotic situation and pay dearly if the President is forced to step down now, they asserted. (byg/rid/rms)